If you’re searching for a cookie that’s soft, tender, and packed with old-fashioned charm, these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are exactly what you need. Combining the rich buttery texture of classic Amish sugar cookies with sweet cherries and delicate almond flavor, these cookies are a delightful treat for holidays, bake sales, cookie exchanges, or everyday snacking.
Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and beautiful cherry-studded appearance make them just as pretty as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Soft and tender texture
Classic Amish sugar cookies are known for their pillow-soft crumb.
Sweet cherry flavor
Bits of cherry add bursts of fruity sweetness.
Rich almond aroma
Almond extract perfectly complements the cherries.
Easy to make
Simple ingredients and beginner-friendly instructions.
Perfect for holidays
Beautiful enough for cookie trays and celebrations.
What Makes Amish Sugar Cookies Different?
Unlike traditional sugar cookies, Amish sugar cookies are:
- Softer
- More tender
- Slightly cake-like
- Richer in flavor
They’re typically made with both butter and oil, creating an exceptionally soft texture that stays fresh for days.
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries, drained well
Optional topping
- Sliced almonds
- Extra chopped cherries
- Powdered sugar dusting
- Almond glaze drizzle
How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugars
In a large bowl beat together:
- Butter
- Vegetable oil
- Granulated sugar
- Powdered sugar
Mix until light and creamy.
Step 3: Add eggs and extracts
Beat in:
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Cream of tartar
- Salt
Step 5: Combine
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
Mix until a soft dough forms.
Fold in chopped cherries.
Step 6: Scoop cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
Leave about 2 inches between cookies.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes.
The edges should be lightly set while the centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Optional Almond Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Directions
Whisk ingredients together until smooth.
Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Almond Cookies
Drain cherries thoroughly
Excess moisture can affect the dough texture.
Don’t overbake
The cookies should remain soft.
Use almond extract sparingly
A little goes a long way.
Chill dough if needed
If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Delicious Variations
White Chocolate Cherry Cookies 🤍
Add white chocolate chips.
Cherry Almond Glazed Cookies 🍒
Finish with a sweet almond glaze.
Holiday Cherry Cookies 🎄
Add festive sprinkles for celebrations.
Cherry Pecan Cookies 🌰
Mix in chopped pecans for extra crunch.
Chocolate Cherry Almond Cookies 🍫
Add mini chocolate chips to the dough.
Why These Cookies Stay Soft
The secret lies in the combination of:
Butter
Provides rich flavor.
Vegetable oil
Creates long-lasting softness.
Powdered sugar
Contributes tenderness.
Proper baking time
Keeps the centers soft and delicate.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these cookies with:
- Coffee ☕
- Tea 🍵
- Hot chocolate 🍫
- Cold milk 🥛
They also make wonderful homemade gifts.
Perfect for Special Occasions
These cookies are ideal for:
- Christmas cookie trays
- Valentine’s Day treats
- Bridal showers
- Baby showers
- Bake sales
- Family gatherings
Their beautiful cherry color makes them especially festive.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using wet cherries
Can make the dough too soft.
Overbaking
Results in dry cookies.
Adding too much almond extract
Can overpower the flavor.
Overmixing the dough
May create tougher cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries?
Fresh cherries contain more moisture, so maraschino cherries are recommended.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Freeze portioned dough balls for up to 2 months.
Can I use almond flour?
Not as a direct substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe.
Why are my cookies spreading?
The dough may be too warm; chill it briefly before baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are:
- Soft and buttery
- Full of cherry flavor
- Delicately almond-scented
- Easy to make
- Perfect for sharing
They’re a beautiful twist on a beloved Amish classic.
Final Thoughts
These Delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies 🍒🍪 combine the tender texture of traditional Amish sugar cookies with the sweet flavor of cherries and the irresistible aroma of almonds. Soft, buttery, and wonderfully nostalgic, they’re the kind of homemade cookies that disappear quickly from any dessert table.
One batch is never enough!
Print
Delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies: Soft, Buttery, and Bursting with Flavor
Ingredients
• Cookies: 1 ½ cups almond flour or whole wheat pastry flour, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or coconut sugar, ¼ cup melted coconut oil or light butter, 1 large egg or flax egg, 1 tsp pure almond extract + ½ tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp baking powder, pinch sea salt
• Cherry Mix-In: ½ cup dried tart cherries, chopped (or fresh pitted cherries, patted dry)
• Sugar Coating: ¼ cup coconut sugar or pure cane sugar + ½ tsp almond extract, mixed for rolling
• Optional Glaze: 2 tbsp Greek yogurt + 1 tsp maple syrup + pinch almond extract + 1 tbsp sliced almonds for drizzling
Instructions
• In a bowl, whisk almond flour, baking powder, and salt until lump-free and well combined.
• In another bowl, mix Greek yogurt, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, egg, almond extract, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
• Gently fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined—avoid overmixing for tender, cake-like cookies that stay soft for days.
• Carefully stir in chopped dried cherries for bursts of sweet-tart flavor throughout.
• Chill dough 10-15 minutes if too soft for easier handling (especially with almond flour).
• In a small bowl, mix coconut sugar and a pinch of almond extract for the sparkling coating.
• Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, then roll each ball in the almond-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
• Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart; gently flatten with a fork or palm for that classic Amish sugar cookie shape. Optional: press a few sliced almonds on top.
• Bake 10-12 mins until edges are lightly golden and centers are set but still soft.
• Cool 5 minutes on pan, then transfer to a rack. Optionally drizzle with Greek yogurt glaze once cooled for extra elegance!
Prep Time : 12 mins, Cook Time : 12 mins, Total Time : 24 mins (+ optional chilling), Servings : 12, Calories : 145, Net Carbs: 16g, Fats: 9g, Protein: 6g
• Pat cherries dry: If using fresh cherries, blot thoroughly with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture and soggy cookies.
• Almond extract is key: Use pure almond extract (not imitation) for that authentic, fragrant cherry-almond flavor Amish cookies are known for.
• Chill dough briefly: Especially with almond flour, 10-15 minutes in the fridge makes rolling and shaping much easier.
• Don’t overbake: Remove when centers still look slightly soft—they’ll finish setting as they cool for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Make ahead: Bake cookies up to 3 days ahead; store covered at room temperature. Add glaze just before serving for the freshest finish.
• Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free oat flour or almond flour blend + ensure baking powder is GF for a safe, delicious treat.
• Vegan swap: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), maple syrup, and coconut oil for a completely plant-based version.
• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month—bake from frozen, adding 1-2 mins to bake time.